Directory board



Filed Sept. 1, 1965 Aug. 29, 1967 5-. E. WEEKS 3,337,978

DIRECTORY BOARD I 2 Sheets-Sheet .1

I 5 w i 35 luvsnron 5. E. WEEKS A-rromveys United States Patent 3,337,978 DIRECTORY BOARD Stanley E. Weeks, 4650 Grosvenor Ave., Montreal, Quebec, Canada Filed Sept. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 484,372 6 Claims. (CI. 40-63) This invention relates to directory signs and particularly to tamper-proof name strips assembled on a directory board for use in the entrance to buildings and on individual floors indicating the tenants in the building and their location therein.

Directory boards have made use of thin flexible name strips slidable in a grooved background board, or of individual letters slidable in such a grooved board. It has also been known to use strips and individual letters secured on the face of a punched board. In all of these usages, due to the fragile nature of the strips and letters and the ease with which they can be tampered with it has been the custom to enclose the directory board behind a locked glass front or doors. Such boards either project a considerable distance out from the wall on which they are mounted or require a deep recess in the wall for flush mounting. Directory boards of this type are costly to manufacture and, when changes have to be made, the changes are time consuming.

The present invention is designed to overcome the objections to previous types of directory boards, particularly boards depending on an enclosure to make them tamperproof, by using individually engraved extrusion name strips, which interlock with each other and are supported on the face of a backing board through concealed hook strips. The backing board has an edge angle frame permitting exposure of the whole area of the name strips, thereby giving the appearance of a large plate engraved with a number of names rather than a series of individual name strips. The use of extrusion name strips gives to the appearance of the whole board a series of finely engraved lines separating the individual names and at the edges of the board the juncture of the name strips with the edge of the angle frame, which is flush with the outer face of the name strips, also takes on the appearance of a finely engraved line around the edges of the board. The extruded name strips slidably interlock with each other along their top and bottom horizontal edges and vertically aligned groups of name strips can be inserted onto or removed from the board for the purpose of making changes or rearranging the order of the individual name strips, The assembly of interlocking name strips are held secure on the backing board by the top horizontal edge angle being secured to the top edge of the board by tamper-proof security screws.

The extruded name strips can be anodized in colour to an appearance in harmony with the surrounding area of the building and, if desired the edge angle can be anodized in a contrasting colour. In addition, various name strips can be anodized in contrasting colours resulting in a contrast in colour with the engraved name and which also might be utilized to denote difierent locations in a building, or to form an artistic mosaic pattern.

A directory board of this type has a shallow depth and takes on the appearance of a cast plate.

Due to the unique interlocking arrangement of the name strips a degree of flexibility can be introduced at their point of interlock whereby a group of name strips can be curved about the surface of a drum-type board where a drum-type board might have usefulness over a flat-type board.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a directory board of simple and inexpensive construction in which the name strips are tamper-proof and require no protective enclosure.

A further object of .the invention is to provide a directory board in which the name strips are slidably interlocking extrusions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple hook means for holding a series of interlocking name strips to a backing board.

A further object of the invention is to provide a directory board with individual name strips having a shallow depth giving the appearance of an engraved plate.

A further object of the invention is to provide vertical groups of horizontally disposed interlocking name strips which can be assembled on a backing board without division between the groups and in which individual groups can be withdrawn without interference with the other groups.

A further object of the invention is to provide a type of name strip which can be assembled in the form of a mat which can be wrapped about a drum-type board.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed specification and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a directory board according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of a portion of one of the interlocking name strips shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section taken on the line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing one method of securing the name strips to the backing board.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of one corner of the directory board.

FIG. 7 shows a modified form of name strip in which the front face projects slightly beyond the face of adjacent name strips.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drum-type directory board showing a mat of name strips removed from the drum.

Referring to the drawings, the directory board 5 consists essentially of a series of name strips 6 arranged in one or more vertically disposed groups 7. The groups 7- are bounded by an outer frame 8 secured to a backing board 9 which, in turn is secured to a wall 10 or other suitable supporting structure.

The name strips 6 are horizontally disposed extrusions which can be of light-Weight metal or plastic material. The name strips 6 are designed for sliding interlocking engagement with each other in a vertical plane to form the groups 7.

One preferred form of extrusion forming the name strips 6 is shown in detail in FIG. 2 and in assembled form in FIG. 3. The extrusions have a front member 11 whose front face 11a can be engraved with a name or direction as shown at 12 in FIG. 1. Instead of engraving any other well known method of marking the face 11a can be used.

Projecting rearwardly from the lower rear face of the front member 11 is an angle member 13 having one leg 14 projected at right angles to the plane of the front member 11 and one leg 15 projecting downwardly to form with the lower portion-of the'front member 11a channel 16 whose opening is restricted by the beads 17.

Projecting rearwardly from the upper rear face of the front member 11 is a composite member 18 consisting of an angle having a leg 19 projecting at right angles from the plane of the front member 11 and one leg 20 projecting downwards therefrom in the plane of the leg 15 below. Projecting upwards from the mid portion of the top face of the leg 19 is a beaded rail 21 adapted for sliding 3 fit within the channel 16 of the name above, in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

The horizontally disposed slot 22 between the lower edge of the leg 20 and the adjacent surface of the leg 14 below is utilized for the purpose of assemblying the name strips on the backing board 9.

In some instances the front face 11a of certain only of the name strips 6, can project beyond the face of adjacent name strips as shown in FIG. 7.

The outer frame 8 consists of a bottom and a pair of side angles 23 and a top angle 24. The bottom and side angles 23 have their rear members 25 secured to the rear face of the board 9 by the screws 26, while the top angle 24 is secured to the top horizontal edge 27 of the board 9 by the tamper-proof screws 28 threaded into the threaded sleeves 29 which have been pressed into the board in well known manner and anchored with nails through the barrel of the sleeve. The screws 26 are inaccessable once the board has been fastened on to the wall by the screws 30 and therefore the bottom and side angles 23 are, not removable, whereas, the top angle 24 can be removed, as will be explained later.

Mounted on the front face of the board 9 are a series strip immediately of vertically disposed strips 31, preferably 2 per each group 7 of the name strips 6. These strips 31 have a series of punched-out hooks 32 adapted to engage with certain only of the downwardly projecting legs 20 of the name strips 6. It is sufiicient if hooks 32 are provided to engage with every third or fourth name strip 6 in any group 7. The strips 32 are shown as being secured to the board 9 by screws 33. However, the strips can be secured to the face of the board 9 in any well known manner such as by an adhesive or by staples.

The forwardly projecting legs 34 of the angles 23 and 24 making up the frame 8, have their forward edge 35 almost flush with the front face 11a of the name strips 11 when the name strips are assembled on the board as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. j

The topmost name strip 6a preferably has its beaded rail 21 sheared off flush with the top horizontal edge 11b, in order to present a solid symmetrical face to the assembled directory board as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the assembly of the directory board, the bottom and side angles 23 are first secured to the back of the backing board 9 by the screws 26. The strips 31 are then secured to the front face of the board 9, preferably two strips for each group 7 of name strips 6.

The name strips 6 are then assembled together in their desired order by sliding one on the other until the desired number are assembled in vertical order to make up a group 7. The assembled group can then be carried, as a curtain or mat to in front of the board and permitting the vertically disposed rear legs 20 of certain of the name strips to engage with the hooks 32. The size and position of the hooks 32 is such that the group of name strips 7 can be lowered down until the bottom strip is in contact with the adjacent face of the leg 34 of the bottom angle 23. a

If more than one group 7 is to be mounted on the board 9, they are mounted in the manner described. The length of the name strips 6 are cut to a precise measurement such that, in the horizontal direction, they will fit closely between the opposing inside surfaces of the legs 34 of the side angles 23. When more than one group 7 is fitted on a board there is no appreciable gap between their vertical edges and one group can be withdrawn and replaced without disturbing an adjacent group.

After the groups 7 have been assembled on the front of the board 9 the top angle 24 is fitted in place and secured by the security screws 28. These security screws are of the type into the head of which slots have been stamped requiring the use of a special secret screwdriver and which cannot be otherwise removed.

"When the strips are made from aluminum extrusions and anodized in various colours, the engraving of the names will bring out a vivid contrast which will be most effective and legible without special illumination.

In FIG. 8 of the drawings, there is illustrated a variation of the above described directory board. In this variation the mat 7a of assembled and interlocked name strips 6a are wrapped about a drum 37 and the ends 38 of the mat are secured to the strip 38. In this form of assembly circumferential strips 39 are preferably fitted to separate the mats 7a and to provide end stops.

A directory board made and assembled as above described presents .a smooth front surface with the name strips firmly secured without apparent fastening, and tamper-proof. The finished board has all the appearance of a solid engraved plate and any joints between name strips and surrounding frame merely have the appearance of lightly engraved lines.

By removing the security screws 28 and the top angle 24 any group 7 of name strips can be removed and, when said group is laid on a table or bench individual name strips can be removed and replaced or their order rearranged instantly, and the group refitted on the board. Headboards as used on conventional directories at considerable expense, to announce the name of the building or'other information, are superfluous with the directory board as above described, since this information can be prominently displayed on specially colored name strips FIG. 6, or on protruding name strips FIG. 7, or on a combination of both, within the body of the directory.

What I claim is:

1. A directory board for buildings and the like comprising a frame, a backing board secured within the said frame, a series of extruded name strips, the said name strips having one solid face on which a name is engraved, and having a dependent lip on the side thereof opposite from their name bearing face, the said lip defining a restricted slot, each of said name strips being slidably interlocked longitudinally with each other to form a mat, mat engaging means mounted on the said bacln'ug board, the said mat engaging means engaging with the dependent lip of at least some of the said name strips to hold the said mat of name strips in a plane parallel with the adjacent face of said backing board, the face of the said mat of name strips opposite from the said backing board having the appearance of a solid name plate.

2. A directory board as set forth in claim 1 in which the said frame is a recessed frame comprising top, bottom.

side angle components secured to the face of the said backing board opposite from the said mat of name strips, and the top angle component is removably secured to the top horizontal edge of the said backing board.

3. A directory board as set forth in claim 1 in which the said mat engaging means comprises at least two vertically disposed strips secured to the said backing board, each of said strips having a series of hook members adapted to engage with at least'some of the said name strips to hold the said mat of name strips in a plane parallel wtih the adjacent face of the said backing board.

4. A directory board as set forth in claim 1 in which the name strips are extrusions, each of which has a solid front face on which a name is engraved, a beaded rail projects from said extrusion in a plane parallel with the plane of the said front face and the extrusion is slotted in the surface thereof opposite from the said beaded rail, the said beaded rail in one name strip adapted to slidably engage within the slot in the next adjacent name strip.

5. A directory board as set forth in claim 2 in which one leg of the said angle components of the frame pro jects forwardly of the said backing board to embrace the edge surfaces of the said mat of name strips.

6. A directory board as set forth in claim 2 in'which the said top angle component of the. frame is removably secured to the top horizontal edge of the said backing 6 board and serves to lock the said mat of name strips on 2,007,472 7/1935 Lytle 40-63 said mat engaging means. 2,101,965 12/ 1937 Trees 40 63 2,802,291 8/1957 Bach 40-145 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. 1 327 775 1 1920 Plait 35 73 W. J. CONTRERAS, AssistantExaminer.

1,831,287 11/1931 Clark 40-63 

1. A DIRECTORY BOARD FOR BUILDINGS AND THE LIKE COMPRISING A FRAME, A BACKING BOARD SECURED WITHIN THE SAID FRAME, A SERIES OF EXTRUDED NAME STRIPS, THE SAID NAME STRIPS HAVING ONE SOLID FACE ON WHICH A NAME IS ENGRAVED, AND HAVING A DEPENDENT LIP ON THE SIDE THEREOF OPPOSITE FROM THEIR NAME BEARING FACE, THE SLIP DEFINING A RESTRICTED SLOT, EACH OF SAID NAME STRIPS BEING SLIDABLY INTERLOCKED LONGITUDINALLY WITH EACH OTHER TO FORM A MAT, MAT ENGAGING MEANS MOUNTED ON THE SAID BACKING BOARD, THE SAID MAT ENGAGING MEANS ENGAGING WITH THE DEPENDENT LIP OF AT LEAST SOME OF THE SAID NAME STRIPS TO HOLD THE SAID MAT OF NAME STRIPS IN A PLANE PARALLEL WITH THE ADJA- 